Meet the principals from schools throughout DCSD!

As principal of Eagle Ridge Elementary for the last nine years, there isn’t much Doug hasn’t seen or dealt with. He leads by example, making sure kids are not only getting the important joys out of their day, but are also becoming the best versions of themselves.

There isn’t a single morning you won’t find Stone Mountain Elementary Principal Michelle Franci outside in the drop-off lane waving with her Mickey Mouse hand and welcoming students into school. For her, this is one of her favorite parts of the day. Since 2007, when Stone Mountain opened, Michelle Franci has been a staple.

Eagle Academy in Highlands Ranch isn’t your typical high school. Students needing a different education path or those who don’t fit into traditional high school plans are finding a home at Eagle. First year principal, Jeff Broeker, says the changes he sees students go through is remarkable.

Many people believe the true definition of a great school isn’t one where academic standards and statistics tower above everyone else; but instead, is a place where a student is looked at as an individual and provided chances to truly make them the best person they can possibly be. It’s that belief that has continued to push Saddle Ranch Elementary School forward.

He has spent his entire 18-year career working inside the Douglas County School District at both the elementary and middle school levels before becoming an assistant principal at Rocky Heights Middle School. Prior to last year’s school year, Veit was named the new principal at Buffalo Ridge Elementary. In that time, Veit has worked to redefine Buffalo Ridge and rebuild the connection to the community.

In the past two and a half school years, Sagewood Middle School has quickly and quietly become the sleeping giant of middle schools— providing students with an impeccable work ethic and strong foundation of academic excellence. But Sagewood can also now add a long list of accolades the school is known for today. According to school administration and teachers, it was the vision at the school’s helm, courtesy of school principal, Danny Winsor that propelled them forward.

Tucked back into the south side of Castle Rock, surrounded by homes and apartments is not only a Castle Rock staple, but also one of Douglas County’s oldest schools, South Ridge Elementary. The school is currently operating in its 45th year. As a designated International Baccalaureate School, students explore, investigate and make connections observing the world around them beyond what is just in their own backyards.

Working alongside kids has always been part of life’s plan for Mammoth Heights Elementary School principal Nick Holtvluwer – just not quite in the capacity it is today. Originally from Michigan, Holtvluwer will tell you a job inside a classroom was the last place he expected to be. He originally went to school at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and earned his degree in communications. After working at a news station for several years, Holtvluwer determined his dream job to work at a PBS station with kids was a bit out of reach.

For Mary Page, every day is an opportunity to make an impact. Whether it is a student able to take the bus for the first time without behavioral challenges, or a former student who is empowered to ignite his own photography career, every day brings a new opportunity, and no two days look alike.

PARKER – In the twenty years that have passed since Molly Gnaegy arrived in Douglas County to teach kindergarten, student enrollment in the District has tripled, and Gnagey has advanced into the role of principal.

LONE TREE – William Arthur Ward once said: “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates and the great teacher inspires.” For Lone Tree Elementary Principal, Mindy Persichina, her elementary school teachers inspired her to blaze a path of teaching.

HIGHLANDS RANCH – When entering the Eldorado Elementary building in west Highlands Ranch, it does not take long for visitors to discover a uniqueness about the school culture that starts with the very warm, polite and inviting principal, Katy Kollasch.

FRANKTOWN – Sitting near the crossroads of Colorado Highway 83 and Highway 86, Franktown Elementary School is a neighborhood school that has a small town feel, with all of the advanced resources of a suburban school district that is leading the way into the 21st century.

CASTLE ROCK – Science and social studies. Physical education and technology: Yvette Brown has taught it. Finance, operations and academic excellence: Yvette Brown is responsible for it. Greeting students as they walk into school every day: Yvette Brown’s favorite part of her job.